I. ˈchȯr]d. ə l, -ȯ(ə)], ]t ə l verb
( chortled ; chortled ; chortling ]d. ə liŋ, ]t( ə )l-\ ; chortles )
Etymology: blend of chuckle (I) and snort
intransitive verb
1. : to sing or chant exultantly
he chortled in his joy — Lewis Carroll
2. : to utter a chuckling laugh or a sound like a chortle : speak with a chuckling laugh
chortle over the team's defeat
3. of a motor vehicle : to progress noisily
flivvers chortling up the avenue
4. : to express usually somewhat contemptuous amusement
transitive verb
: to express effervescently or with a chortling intonation
chortle one's joy
II. noun
( -s )
: a sound expressive of pleasure or exultation ; also : an act or instance of chortling